Marshawn Kneeland CTE diagnosis

Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide in November 2025 at age 24, was posthumously diagnosed with Stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) by the Boston University CTE Center and Brain Bank. The diagnosis was announced by his family through the Christopher Nowinski. Kneeland played 18 NFL games over two seasons and began playing tackle football at age 7. Researchers noted that CTE can develop in younger athletes and that current safety measures may not be sufficient to prevent the disease. The family hopes the diagnosis raises awareness about the struggles athletes may face.